Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

In case I have been misunderstood or misquoted, the important issue is transparency. I did not say there should not be any limit but that it is very much a secondary issue and it should be at a realistic level. It is clear, not only in this country but elsewhere, that money will not guarantee election. In the United States fortunes have been spent without success. Forbes has almost brought down his whole empire in trying to buy two presidential elections. Communication with the public is the important factor.

There are different circumstances. In my case there are five local newspapers. With the limit as it stands it is impossible. Which one do I choose in which to place one or two advertisements? It is farcical. Reasonable positions must be taken if we want limits. That will form part of the debate on the electoral legislation. The essential elements are transparency and accountability as to where the funding comes from, its form and how it is spent. These are the key issues for the public, who are intelligent enough to come to their own conclusions. Artificial limits mean nothing.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Section 8 agreed to.

SCHEDULE.